Online Local Directories For Small Businesses

Writen by Clive Carlton

When a customer wants to find a local business she may use one of the well known world wide search engines.

She might type in "Plumbers in Birmingham". (Or whatever your business type and location is). If you show up in the search results then you are very lucky. Of course you've got no chance of showing up in the results if you don't have a website.

The first few search results are probably from the well known large national directories followed by lesser known local directories. The potential customer will click on one of these search results and then select the business to call.

That's why you've got to get your business listed in directory, regardless of whether you have a website or not.

There are several problems with national directories, one is their high cost and the other is that they cover every type of business from Accountants to Zoo keepers. There's nothing wrong with that and if you can afford it then go ahead and advertise in them, but make sure you track your results so that you can monitor how effective your advert is.

You might like to consider getting your business listed in specialised local directories. For example you may be able to find a directory that specialises in finance and only lists accountants, IFAs and banks etc. Another specialised directory may cater for tradesmen such as Plumbers, Electricians and Gas Installers.

Let's say that your business is that of selling golf equipment. You can appreciate that it is probably best to advertise in a golfing magazine rather than a sports magazine. The golfing magazine can be compared to the specialised online local directories. And the sports magazine is like the national non specialised online directory.

If you've got a local business, take a few minutes to find a specialised local directory where you can list your business. Even better, find one that does not require you to pay anything for a basic listing.

Clive Carlton writes for http://www.handyexperts.co.uk a local directory where you can find local plumbers, electricians and gas installers etc.